By Scott Goudeseune, President and CEO of  American Council on Exercise

Research has shown that regular physical activity decreases the risk of developing numerous preventable health conditions and contributes to an individual’s overall feeling of well-being.

Unfortunately, there has been a significant decline nationally in the number of individuals engaging in physical activity—affecting every race, gender and age. It does not take an extraordinary amount of physical activity to reduce the health risks related to sedentary lifestyles—just a brisk, 20-minute walk each day has significant health benefits. In San Diego County, just over half the population spends two or more hours exercising per week.

At American Council on Exercise, our mission is to get people moving. We work to increase physical activity by certifying exercise professionals and health coaches, publishing original research, convening experts on physical activity and health, working directly with community groups and advocating for policies to get people moving. It’s important to us that all people – regardless of age, gender, race, socioeconomic status or neighborhood – have access to the resources they need to lead active, healthy lives.

Join us in supporting the Live Well San Diego 5K Fitness Challenge taking place July 1-31.  The Challenge is designed to help you increase your physical activity and activate your fitness goals towards a healthier, safer and more thriving life.

Read more about partners who are working to make it easier and more fun to get active in the San Diego region in this month’s Live Well San Diego Newsletter.